Energy Bus News
Principle #7: EnJOY the Ride!
A Message from Niki!
It was Monday and Mondays were never good for George, the author writes as he introduces us to the main character in the story, The Energy Bus. We immediately discover that George is in conflict and that misfortune had been following George not just for a few weeks or months, but for several years like a dark rain cloud hovering over his life. In fact, George is on the verge of losing his job and his marriage until he meets JOY, the Bus Driver.
As we witness George’s learning on The Energy Bus, we are inspired as we realize that George and Joy live within all of us. Each day we have a choice as to what we choose to believe and the stories we tell ourselves. We are encouraged by George’s story because we know that it’s also our story. We are all in search of peace, love, and Joy, but we struggle with how to find it.
Many of us go through life unhappy and discouraged because we tell ourselves things like “I know she doesn’t like me,” “bad things always happen to me,” Or “I will never be able to accomplish that.” Sound familiar? When we tell ourselves these negative stories about people or events in our lives, our mind is so focused on solving these problems that our attention and energy are going nowhere, our bus is now stuck in the mud!
On the other hand, when we tell ourselves positive or encouraging stories, we move in and out of unpleasant situations faster, gaining new learning experiences and most importantly we are able to keep our bus moving in the right direction. Joy says, Everything happens for a reason. Every person we meet. Every event in our life. Every flat tire happens for a reason. Every problem has a gift for you. You can choose to see the curse or the gift.
As we practice enJOYng the ride this month, we will need to apply the 6 principles we've learned so far as we lead with a grateful heart and focus on all the amazing things happening in our lives and in our schools.
So how do we begin to change the stories we tell ourselves? Here are a few questions to ask yourself so that your bus keeps moving in a positive direction and you enjoy the ride:
1. Is this a big problem or a little problem?
When faced with a challenging situation, first ask yourself- is this a big problem or little problem. If it involves someone else have the courage to talk to the person prior to telling yourself a negative story.
2. What are you grateful for?
Think of all the wonderful things that are happening in your life at this moment and give thanks. Keep a Grateful Journal and jot down daily thoughts of what you’re grateful for.
3. What Can I Learn from This Situation?
Every situation we’re faced with helps us to become our best selves. Thinking of what was learned helps us grow as we discover ourselves.
4. What can I do now to change this situation?
Instead of focusing on the problem, try thinking about what you can do now or next time to change the outcome.
5. What can I do for others?
Have you noticed that when you focus on yourself is when you become the most depressed? I believe it’s because we are all meant to serve others and not concentrate on ourselves. When you’re feeling negative, try giving someone a compliment or writing someone a nice note, you’ll be surprised at how uplifting it will be for you and the person you share it with.
The next time you’re in an unpleasant situation, stop and ask yourself these questions. These simple inquiries will help you focus your energy on the positive as you rediscover the beauty in people, events, and most importantly, in yourself – isn’t that what Joy is all about?
Make it a great week or not. The choice is always yours!
Niki Spears,
Co-Founder/Chief Energy Officer
The Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey
Calling All Submissions! Deadline of March 7th is Quickly Approaching!
We would like to invite your school and students to enter a submission for our Donna Fontenot Scholarship Award. Donna Fontenot was a member of our EBSLJ team, who passed away a little over a year ago unexpectedly. We would like to keep her memory alive and all the kindness she shared with others by awarding 2 scholarships of $250 for an idea that will spread love and kindness in their school and/or community.
The only requirement is a 1-2 page essay explaining an idea and how the scholarship funds will be used. Please include the students name, grade level, school, and principal phone number and email. Remember, it doesn't have to be complicated to spread kindness. Some ideas might include painting kindness rocks and placing them around your community or tying scarves around trees so others may take one if needed. What a wonderful way for your school to make a difference and spread some love and kindness!
You can make submissions to windy@energybusschools.com. We will announce recipients prior to the end of this school year and will work with you to have some of our Energy Bus Team Members as well as members of Donna’s family come to your school and reward the recipient(s).
Please share the attached graphic for you to share with students and teachers.
We look forward to seeing your submissions!!
The due date is March 7!!
Make A Difference Monday Video!
Don't Forget About YOU!
1. Keep your WHY in front of you at all times. Jon Gordon writes, "We don't get burnt out because of what we do. We get burnt out because we forget WHY we do it." Make a list of why you became an educator. What impact do you want to make?
2. Adopt an #AttitudeOfGratitude - We get more of what we focus on, so why not focus on positive things? You can go on a Gratitude Walk each day or create a Gratitude Journal to document your daily blessings. This reframes your mind to be fueled up with positive energy!
3. Plan ahead for healthy meals that will provide nutrition, and for enough sleep.
4. Make a list of the things that bring you most joy. Then, plan a specific time to do these things.
5. Finally, write down the things you are going to do for yourself on your calendar and make it happen!